Economist Podcasts

The Economist

Summary

The Intelligence is a daily deep dive into the forces shaping our rapidly changing world. Each episode moves beyond the superficial layer of the news cycle to offer a sophisticated, clear-eyed look at the stories that truly matter, ranging from high-stakes geopolitical shifts to the subtle cultural undercurrents defining modern life. Our global network of correspondents brings you directly to the center of the action. Whether we are analyzing the strategic nuances of international summits, investigating the opaque mechanics of global oil trading, or deconstructing the promises and perils of the artificial intelligence revolution, we prioritize analysis over noise. We don’t just report the headlines; we provide the historical context, economic implications, and human narratives that explain why these events are happening now. Beyond the weightier topics of statecraft and the global economy, the show consistently uncovers the unexpected. You will find thought-provoking segments on everything from the evolution of family law and the changing nature of the American road trip to the shifting social dynamics of marriage in China. We take pride in our ability to synthesize complex, often intimidating global events into a digestible, compelling daily narrative. If you are looking to sharpen your perspective and understand the intricate fault lines of the 21st century, this is your essential daily briefing on the state of the world.

Updated Jul 8, 2026

News & Politics Society & Culture Business Technology International Relations Artificial Intelligence History Travel American Politics Economics Government Policy Public Policy Geopolitics Political Science American History

Episodes

Marine warfare: Le Pen runs for president

Jul 8, 202624 min

Marine Le Pen is officially running for French president after a court ruling cleared her to compete in 2027.

Continental rift: NATO’s tense summit

Jul 7, 202620 min

NATO faces internal pressure and shifting American commitments as members debate the alliance’s future without the US.

The mourning show: the politics of Khamenei’s funeral

Jul 6, 202620 min

Tehran is using the funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei as a calculated display of regime strength and political defiance.

The 250-year experiment: America’s birthday

Jul 3, 202636 min

As the American experiment turns 250, experts examine the state of its democracy, cultural power, and immigration laws.

Roaring trades: oil majors’ secret success story

Jul 2, 202623 min

Secretive commodity trading desks are driving record profits for European oil majors like BP, Shell and TotalEnergies.

Fault lines: Venezuela’s paltry earthquake response

Jul 1, 202621 min

Venezuelans are facing a growing crisis and rising public anger as the government falters in its earthquake response.

Gulf-co-operation counsel: what next for the region

Jun 30, 202624 min

Escalating regional tensions and an uncertain future with Iran are forcing Gulf states to rethink their security.

Latin lessons: the Donroe-doctrine boost

Jun 29, 202617 min

Latin American economies are booming as US investment surges amid regional political instability.

Far Crimea: war comes to Russia’s door

Jun 26, 202627 min

Ukraine is escalating its strikes on Crimea to shatter the illusion that the war is not reaching Russian territory.

Fear-jerker: America’s AI backlash

Jun 25, 202621 min

Deep-seated fears about job displacement and technological control are fueling a volatile political backlash against AI.